Framing system of studs and rails connected together by  adapter members

ABSTRACT

A framing system ( 1 ) comprises track frame elements ( 3 ) and stud frame elements ( 4 ) which are interconnected at joints ( 2 ). The framing system comprises connection means for interconnecting the frame elements ( 3, 4 ) on assembly. The connection means comprises an adaptor ( 10 ) for a frame element and fixing means for fixing the adaptor to the frame elements. The adaptor conforms to at least part of the profile of at least one of the frame elements. In one case the adaptor ( 10 ) is of generally channel profile comprising a web ( 11 ) and side flanges ( 12 ). The side flanges of the adaptor ( 10 ) are engagable in the end of the stud frame element ( 4 ) such that the flanges ( 12 ) of the adaptor engage with the flanges ( 8 ) of the stud frame element ( 4 ). Rivets ( 30 ) are used to fix the stud frame element ( 4 ) to the adaptor ( 10 ). Track fixing means comprising a fixing bolt ( 25 ) extending to engage with a receiver ( 26 ) which is captive in the web ( 11 ) of the adaptor ( 10 ). The cross section of the stud frame element ( 4 ) has full bearing with the track frame element ( 3 ) for efficient load transfer.

INTRODUCTION

The invention relates to a structural framing system comprising a numberof roll formed metal elements jointed together. Such a framing systemmay be used to provide a wall such as a partition wall of a buildingsuch as a modular building.

Many framing systems of this type are known. Stud and track systems forstructural applications must enable load transfer from the top track tothe stud and from the stud to the bottom track. This must be achievedwithout short term settlement or long term creep.

In one current arrangement the stud is located in the track and thenfastened in place through the flanges. This provides a simple, sitefixable method of construction. However, in use the stud usually sits onthe internal radii of the track. Consequently, the connection relies onthe restricted shear strength of the fastener. Tolerances are limited bysite workmanship and varying settlement can present problems. As theframes are not assembled in a controlled environment, the positions ofeach fastener may not be exactly in line. Consequently, creep may occurlocally in some studs when a load is applied to the frame.

Another known arrangement involves shaping the stud and track at theengagement regions is to reduce location tolerances and provide animproved shear load with a horizontal clamping action. An externalclamping mechanism may be used to ensure that the studs are positionedin contact with the track before fastening. The clamping may be appliedeither local to the connection or the entire frame may be clamped.Additional grinding of the stud ends may be required to ensure a closefit. When the frame is sufficiently clamped tight, the connection canthen be riveted. This system is impractical because it is slow anddifficult to operate and is inflexible.

The most structurally efficient of these systems facilitates end bearingof the stud into the web of the track. The use of external clampingmechanisms or specialist equipment however leads to high cost andcomplexity.

There is therefore a need for an improved system which will be easy toassemble whilst ensuring efficient load transfer between the studs andthe tracks.

STATEMENTS OF INVENTION

According to the invention there is provided

-   -   a structural framing system comprising:—        -   a stud frame element;        -   a track frame element;        -   an adaptor between the stud element and the track element at            a joint therebetween; and        -   fixing means for fixing the adaptor to the frame element(s).

In one embodiment the fixing means comprises a stud fixing means forfixing the stud element to the adaptor.

In one case the fixing means comprises a track fixing means for fixingthe track element to the adaptor.

Preferably the track fixing means extends substantially parallel with alongitudinal axis of the stud element.

In one embodiment the track fixing means comprises an adjustable screwor bolt and a receiver for the screw or bolt. The receiver is preferablycaptive in the adaptor. The track may have a countersink for receiving acountersink head of the track fixing screw or bolt.

In one embodiment the stud fixing means extends between the stud and theadaptor. Preferably the stud fixing means extends in a directionperpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stud. The stud fixingmeans may comprise a self piercing rivet.

In one embodiment the frame element are of generally channel shapecomprising a web and a pair of side flanges and the adaptor is locatablebetween the side flanges of the frame element.

In one case the width of the web of the stud frame element is narrowerthan the width of the web of the track frame element at the jointtherebetween.

In one embodiment the adaptor comprises a pair of side flanges and aconnecting member extending therebetween. The adaptor may besubstantially channel shaped.

In another embodiment the connecting member comprises a central part anda pair of side parts extending from the central part to the side flangesof the adaptor. The central part is substantially flat.

In one embodiment the system comprises a track frame element, a studframe element, a stud adaptor, a track adaptor, stud fixing means forfixing the stud frame element to the stud adaptor and track fixing meansfor fixing the track frame element to the track adaptor and to the studadaptor. The track adaptor may comprise a bearer plate.

The invention also provides a building system comprising a framingsystem of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be more clearly understood from the followingdescription thereof given by way of example only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of portion of an assembled frame accordingto the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective exploded view of a joint detail of the frame;

FIG. 3 is a side partially cross sectional view of the joint detail;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view in the direction of the arrows IV to IVof FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of portion of another assembled frameaccording to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective exploded view of a joint detail of the frame ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a side partially cross sectional view of the joint detail ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view in the direction of the arrowsVIII-VIII

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a portion of an assembled frameincorporating the joint detail of FIGS. 1 to 5;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the frame portion of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the frame portion of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view on the line XII-XII of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is an elevational view of a structural frame incorporating thejoint details of the invention;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of part of a building incorporating theframing system of the invention;

FIG. 15 is a perspective, partially cut-away view of part of a buildingincorporating the framing system of the invention;

FIG. 16 is another view of the building part of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view of a detail of one joint in the building part of FIGS.15 and 16;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of detail of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of portion of an assembled frame accordingto another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 20 is a perspective exploded view of a joint detail of the frame ofFIG. 19; and

FIG. 21 is a cross sectional view of the joint detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to the drawings there is illustrated a structural framingsystem 1 according to the invention comprising a number of frameelements typically of metal, in this case steel sections, connected atjoints 2. The frame elements in this case comprise track frame elements3 and stud frame elements 4 which are interconnected to form the framingsystem.

The track frame element 3 is of rolled steel and comprises an elongatedchannel having a web 5, and side flanges 6 which extend continuously thelength of the element 3. In this case the side flanges 6 are overbent.The overbent flanges 6 taper inwardly to the width of the stud to ensurea smooth joint between the stud and track frame elements.

The stud frame element 4 is also of rolled steel and comprises anelongated generally c-shaped lipped channel having a web 7, and sideflanges 8 which extend continuously the length of the element. The sideflanges 8 have inturned side lips 9.

The framing system comprises connection means for interconnecting theframe elements 3,4, on assembly. The connection means comprises anadaptor 10 for a frame element and fixing means for fixing the adaptorto the frame elements. The adaptor preferably conforms to at least partof the profile of at least one of the frame elements.

In this case the adaptor 10 is of generally channel profile comprising aweb 11 and side flanges 12. The side flanges of the adaptor 10 areengagable in the end of the stud frame element 4 such that the flanges12 of the adaptor engage with the flanges 8 of the stud frame element 4.

The framing system comprises fixing means for fixing the adaptor 10 tothe frame elements. The fixing means comprises a stud fixing means forfixing the stud frame element to the adaptor 10 and a track fixing meansfor fixing the track frame element 3 to the adaptor 10.

The stud fixing means in this case comprises rivets 29 which are appliedby a suitable rivet gun to fix the flanges 8 of the stud frame element 4to the flanges 12 of the adaptor 10. The rivets 29 may be of anysuitable type such a self piercing rivets which do not require apre-drilled hole(s).

The track fixing means comprises an adjustable screw or bolt 25 and areceiver 26 for the bolt 25. The receiver 26 is captive in the web 11 ofthe adaptor 10 and on rotation of the bolt 25 in the receiver 26 theadaptor 10 to which the stud frame element 4 is fixed is drawn into thetrack to provide an extremely strong and secure joint which facilitatesload transfer.

It will be noted that the underside of the web 5 of the track 3 has acountersink 30 for receiving a countersunk head 31 of the fixing bolt 25so that the head does not protrude and thereby location of one jointadjacent to another is not inhibited—there is flat face-to-face contactas illustrated for example by 40 in FIGS. 10 to 12.

The track fixing means provided by the bolt 25 extends substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the stud frame element 4 forefficient transfer of vertical loads.

It will be noted that in this case the width of the web 7 of the studframe element 4 is narrower than the width of the web 5 of the trackframe element 3 at the joint so that the track flanges 6 are bent overthe stud flanges 8 as will be particularly apparent from FIG. 4. Thisslight oversizing of the track 3 relative to the stud 4 ensures that theends of the stud 4 have full face to face contact with the web 5 of thetrack 3 when they are drawn together by the fixing bolt 25, thusensuring full load bearing contact. Guide counterforms may be providedon the track flanges to ensure correct positioning of the stud. Theoverbent track feature also facilitates mounting of insulation boards tothe framing system as a generally flat surface is provided. The framingsystem of the invention ensures full bearing of the stud 4 in the track3 for efficient load transfer through the joint.

The framing system can be speedily and simply assembled. The adaptorsare attached to the stud with self piercing rivets as a sub-assembly.The studs can then be attached to the track with a single fastener thatis driven in from the side. This means that the frame does not have tobe turned during the assembly sequence and can be slid flat alongrollers.

A single fastener is used to draw the stud 4 and the track 3 togetherwith a notional torque. This positions the stud 4, aligns it verticallyand enables the full cross section of the stud 4 to have effective fullbearing with the track 3. Once the frame is in position, any load istransferred through the stud directly to the track 3.

Once the frame is assembled, the connection eliminates any chance ofcreep occurring when under load.

The load bearing connection of the invention is particularly applicablefor use in a light steel building system.

The connection means used in the system of the invention for connectingthe stud to the track acts to draw the stud 4 into effective fullbearing with track 3. The stud engages against the track 3 to achievefull bearing load distribution.

No metal is removed from the flanges of the stud; therefore thestructural properties of the stud are not affected.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 to 8 there is illustrated another structuralframing system 50 of the invention in which parts similar to those ofFIGS. 1 to 4 are identified by the same reference numerals. In this casean adaptor 51 comprises a pair of side flanges 52 and a connecting partextending therebetween. The connecting part comprises a central section53 and a pair of side parts 54 extending from the central section 53.The V-shaped adaptor 51 because it is flexible can facilitatefabrication of the sub-assembly. It can fit a wide range of stud sizes.

It will be appreciated that the system may be used to join adjacentframe elements in any application such as a wall type frame asillustrated to which cladding panels may be attached. Such a wall may beload bearing or non load bearing and may, for example, form part of amodular building unit.

FIGS. 9 to 12 illustrate part of a framing system incorporating thejoint details of the invention. These drawings show how thesub-assemblies engage in a face-to-face manner at 40 so that full loadtransfer is facilitated. The connection has no protruding parts eitheralong the outer web 5 or outer flanges 6 of the track 3.

Referring to FIG. 13 there is illustrated a typical building frame witha window opening 60. The load bearing connections are in the full heightstuds 4 only as these transfer the vertical loads. The connections ofthe invention are in both the top and bottom of all load bearing studs.The section size of the stud is selected to suit the desired structuraldesign.

Referring to FIG. 14 there is illustrated part of a buildingincorporating the framing system of the invention. Various insulationboards 70 are attached to the framing system. The boarding can be fixedto the track 3 and stud 4 frame elements. The overbent track flange 6ensures that the board will not crack at the track to stud location.

Referring to FIGS. 15 to 18 there is illustrated part of a buildingincorporating the framing system of the invention. In this case the loadbearing connection is used in an exterior wall 80 incorporatingconventional block work 81. Boarding and insulation can be fixed to theframe elements.

Referring to FIGS. 19 to 21 there is illustrated another structuralframing system 100 according to the invention which is similar to thosedescribed above and like parts are assigned the same reference numerals.In this case there is a bearer plate 102 which is a close fit with theweb 5 of the track frame element 3. The web 5 of the track frame element3, the bearer plate 102, and the web 11 of the adaptor 10 all havefixing holes respectively indicated as 21, 22, 23 for reception of afixing bolt 25 which is engageable with a fixing nut 26. Side fixingscrews or rivets 29 which extend through the side flanges 8 and 12 ofthe adaptor and stud frame element 4 are used to fix the stud frameelement to the adaptor. In this way the adaptors and fixings ensureclose connection between the stud frame elements and the track frameelements.

In this case a single fastener is used to draw the stud component andthe track together with a notional torque. This positions the stud,aligns it vertically and enables the full cross section of the stud tohave effective full bearing with the track. Once the frame is inposition, any load is transferred through the stud directly on to thebearer plate. The load is then transferred from the bearer plate on tothe track element 3. The vertical position of the adaptor in the studdoes not have a critical tolerance and can feature a range of fastenerconnections, such as bolts with riv-nuts or utilising a press formedthread.

Once the frame is assembled, the connection eliminates any chance ofcreep occurring when under load.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore describedwhich may be varied in construction and detail.

1-22. (canceled)
 23. A structural framing system comprising:— a studframe element comprising a web and a pair of side flanges; a track frameelement comprising a web and a pair of side flanges; an adaptorcomprising pair of sides and a connector extending between the sides;the sides of the adaptor being fixed to the side flanges of the stud bystud fixings to form a sub-assembly; and a fixing means extendingbetween the web of the track frame element and the connector of theadaptor for drawing the stud frame element and adaptor sub-assembly tothe track frame element so that the stud frame element is in fullengagement with the track frame element for full bearing loaddistribution between the stud frame element and the track frame element.24. The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the fixing means extendssubstantially parallel with a longitudinal axis of the stud element. 25.The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein the track fixing meanscomprises an adjustable screw or bolt and a receiver for the screw orbolt.
 26. The system as claimed in claim 25 wherein the receiver iscaptive in the adaptor.
 27. The system as claimed in claim 25 whereinthe track has a countersink for receiving a countersunk head of thetrack fixing screw or bolt.
 28. The system as claimed in claim 23wherein the stud fixing means extends between the stud and the adaptor.29. The system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the stud fixing meansextends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thestud.
 30. The system as claimed in claim 28 wherein the stud fixingmeans comprises a self piercing rivet.
 31. The system as claimed inclaim 23 wherein the width of the web of the stud frame element isnarrower than the width of the web of the track frame element at thejoint therebetween.
 32. The system as claimed in claim 23 wherein theadaptor is substantially channel shaped.
 33. The system as claimed inclaim 23 wherein the connecting member comprises a central part and apair of side parts extending from the central part to the side flangesof the adaptor.
 34. The system as claimed in claim 33 wherein thecentral part is substantially flat.
 35. The building system comprising aframing system as claimed in claim
 23. 36. The modular building systemcomprising a framing system as claimed in claim 23.